A 'Flag Day' reminder about Old Glory

The U.S. Army required these to be quoted. The United States flag is a respectful representation of those who gave in preserving our freedom.

The folds of the flag are quoted when taken down.

1. Symbol of life.

2. Our believe in eternal life.

3. Honor and remembrance of veterans who sacrificed.

4. Represents Americans trusting in God.

5. A tribute to our country.

6. Our hearts pledge of liberty and justice under God to all.

7. A tribute to our armed forces for protection.

8. A tribute to One who walked through the valley of death, so that we might see the light of day.

9. Through the faith, love and loyalty of womanhood, she has molded men and women to make this a great country.

10. Tribute to fathers who have willingly given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country.

11. Represents the seal of King David and Solomon, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

12. Glorifies the God of our being as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

13. Represents our motto, "In God We Trust."

The 21-Gun Salute is the highest honor bestowed at death. The 21 comes from the sum of 1776 digits.

Jerry Rakes

Visalia

Editor's note: Sunday, June 14, is Flag Day and the 240th birthday of the United States Army.

FULL SUPPORT OF PRAYER BREAKFAST, SHERIFF BOUDREAUX

I would like to commend Russ Glasscock on his article on the opinion page on May 30. What a beautiful way he had of expressing his opinion. His views mirror my own and so many in our beautiful country. I, too, respect others beliefs and rights, even if I disagree with them. And I request that you also give us that same respect.

This being said, I would like to stand behind Sheriff (Mike) Boudreaux and his deputies. He has been doing a great job. We first saw his work as our under-sheriff to the point that the people of Tulare County voted him in as our sheriff. This was accomplished by the votes of the majority.

Your article about his conduct being questioned at the Tulare county Prayer Breakfast was a shocker. He was not there to support the speaker, or speak against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, as they claim. He was invited as our sheriff to open the gathering by saying the Pledge of Allegiance, honoring our country, declaring we are one nation under God. And, yes, our country was founded under God, with the privilege of each of us to honor and proclaim the God of our choice.

I do not ask for your resignation, because you honor your god or have pride in the uniform that you wear and I ask the same from you. Just recently, there was another protest of Major General Olson, because he was in uniform and said that God had guided his career and he thanked Him for that.

Do these protesters not realize the dangers our military and law enforcement officers face everyday of their service and how much they rely on their God to help give them the courage and strength they need to perform their duties?

If you were in the middle of a home invasion or a major traffic accident, who would you call on for help? Would you care at this time if they called on their God for help? Or would they ask which god you worshiped? I don't think so. You would know they are there to protect and serve.

Another comment in our readers respond was that the Prayer Breakfast gathering is a hate group. Wrong. We serve a God of love, not hate. Please read First Corinthians 13 to see what the God of Christians teaches. No, not all Christians accomplish this, as we are made up of the human race, but this is our goal.